Six in custody after joint op with Derbyshire Police

Six people have been arrested and 10 potential victims rescued during a joint modern slavery operation involving Derbyshire Police and the GLAA.

In all five warrants were executed in Derby in the early hours of this morning as part of an investigation into suspected human trafficking.

Three warrants were carried out in Rutland Street, one in St Giles Road and one in Balaclava Road. A further house in Patmore Square was also visited.

Three men, aged 32, 41 and 53 and three women, aged 31, 35 and 54, have been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking offences and remain in custody this morning.

The potential victims, who police believe to have been trafficked into the UK from Latvia, are being supported by partner agencies.

Officers suspect that the men have been working for very little pay and have not had access to bank accounts set up in their name.

DCI Rick Alton said: “We have been working very closely with Latvian authorities on this case and we’re grateful for their support.

“We have also been supported by partner agencies including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Derby City Council and HMRC. We are in the early stages of this investigation and the safety and well-being of the men we believe to be victims remains our priority.

“As a force, we take allegations of trafficking and modern slavery very seriously. In many cases, people are brought into the UK and are promised the chance of a good job and a better life.

“But this often turns into exploitation where victims are made to work with little or no pay and without money and the correct documentation, it can be very difficult for them to leave.”

GLAA Head of Operations Ian Waterfield said: “Ensuring vulnerable people are not taken advantage of and exploited for their labour in the UK is the very reason we exist.

“While we were granted the power to investigate such matters independently in May, we will continue to assist whenever called upon.

“Our officers have specialist experience and knowledge of dealing with trafficking cases and I am pleased to hear that by working in partnership the suspects are in custody and the alleged victims in this case have been removed safely.”